Chapter 2: Unfamiliar Territory
The sun hung low in the sky as Nanami walked through the gates of Kuoh Academy the next morning. He had spent the previous night practicing with his cursed energy, adjusting to how it felt in this strange world. It had taken some effort, but the cursed energy was still his, responding to his will, even if the world around him seemed different.
At least I have that, Nanami thought, running a hand through his blonde hair as he walked across the school courtyard. He hadn't gotten much closer to figuring out why he had been placed in this world, or who the white silhouette from his memory was. But there was no time to worry about that now. He had to blend in, and today was just another day of pretending to be a normal high school student.
As he entered the building, he felt a slight prickle at the back of his neck. It was the same odd energy he'd sensed yesterday—faint, but noticeable, like something was watching him. Nanami's brow furrowed slightly, but he kept moving forward, his senses on high alert. Whatever it was, he'd figure it out in time.
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POV: Rias Gremory
Rias sat at her desk in the Occult Research Club room, her fingers tapping lightly against her chin as she stared out the window. The demonic energy from yesterday had returned. It wasn't overwhelming, but it was unmistakable. Whoever it was, they were here again, and it wasn't normal.
"Akeno," Rias called softly. Her queen stepped forward with a graceful smile, already sensing the tension in her leader.
"You've felt it again, haven't you?" Akeno asked, folding her arms.
Rias nodded, her crimson eyes narrowing slightly. "Yes. It's nearby… faint, but not the same as ordinary demonic energy. It's like there's something wrong with it, something foreign."
"Should we investigate further?" Akeno asked, her smile fading slightly. "Whoever it is could be dangerous."
Rias leaned back in her chair. "We need to be cautious. Keep an eye on the students, especially any new or unusual ones. I want to know what we're dealing with before we make a move."
Akeno nodded and turned back toward the window, her sharp eyes scanning the courtyard below. "As you wish."
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POV: Nanami
Nanami walked through the school hallways, his senses still tingling with the strange energy around him. But no one seemed to notice anything out of the ordinary. The students chatted about mundane things—homework, upcoming exams, and weekend plans. To them, this was just another typical day. But to Nanami, it felt like something was lurking just beneath the surface.
He reached his classroom and slipped into his seat near the back, leaning back in his chair as he surveyed the room. Everything about the school was normal, but the air around him felt thick with tension. Is it just me? Or is there really something off about this place?
His thoughts were interrupted when the door opened, and the teacher walked in, starting the lesson. Nanami forced himself to pay attention, but his mind kept drifting back to the odd energy he had felt outside. He could feel his cursed energy beneath his skin, humming quietly, ready to be used if needed.
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POV: Sona Sitri
Sona sat at her desk, her gaze fixated on the student records in front of her. She had been searching for any anomalies—anything that could explain the strange demonic energy she had sensed recently. But nothing stood out. No new transfers, no unusual incidents. Everything seemed normal.
Tsubaki's report was inconclusive as well, she thought, tapping a pen against the edge of her desk. But Sona wasn't one to be easily dissuaded. She could still feel the faint traces of that unfamiliar energy. Whoever it was, they were hiding in plain sight.
"It's subtle," Sona murmured, speaking more to herself than anyone else. "But there's definitely something different about this energy. It feels demonic, but not completely. Almost like it's been... twisted."
Tsubaki, standing nearby, nodded in agreement. "What do you suggest we do?"
Sona adjusted her glasses, her gaze sharp. "For now, we'll observe. Whoever is responsible can't hide forever."
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POV: Nanami
The day dragged on, and by the time the final bell rang, Nanami's nerves were frayed. The strange energy he had sensed in the morning had persisted, following him throughout the day. He couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, of something lurking just out of sight.
As he left the school grounds and walked toward his new home, his thoughts drifted back to his cursed energy. It's still here, but it feels different in this world, Nanami thought. He needed to understand this world better before he could figure out how to harness his full strength again.
When he arrived home, he wasted no time. He immediately sat down on the floor, crossing his legs, and began focusing on his energy. His cursed energy was there, still responding to his will, but it felt different—almost like it was being altered by the world around him.
As he meditated, the hazy memory of the white silhouette resurfaced again. The figure's words were unclear, but the presence was undeniable. Who are you? Nanami wondered again, frustration gnawing at him. He could feel the memory slipping further away the more he tried to hold onto it.
Pushing those thoughts aside, Nanami opened his eyes. He needed to get his cursed energy under control first. Whatever this world was, it clearly had its own set of rules. I'll figure it out eventually, he thought, clenching his fists. But for now, I need to stay focused.
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POV: Rias Gremory
Rias watched the students leaving Kuoh Academy from her spot in the clubroom. Her eyes narrowed as her gaze locked onto one in particular—Nanami Kento. She couldn't place it, but something about him seemed off. His demonic energy, while faint, was strange. It wasn't like the others she had encountered before.
"He's the one, isn't he?" Akeno said softly, her gaze also following Nanami as he left the school grounds.
Rias nodded. "Yes, I'm certain of it. But his energy is odd. I've never felt anything quite like it."
"Should we approach him?" Akeno asked, a glint of curiosity in her eyes.
"Not yet," Rias replied, leaning back in her chair. "Let's watch him for a bit longer. I want to know exactly what we're dealing with before we make any moves."
Akeno smiled. "Understood."
Rias folded her arms, her mind racing. Whoever this Nanami was, he wasn't just an ordinary student. She could feel it in her bones.
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End of Chapter 2